Ken Hines

When you try to define the sort of person Ken Hines was to his family and friends, you imagine someone who is an all around great person, who loves his children unconditionally, who always makes himself available when he is needed. This is how Ken will be remembered, as a man whose heart was certainly his strongest muscle.

The 1950s were an exciting decade in our nation’s history as America moved confidently from the ashes of World War II into a new age of prosperity. It was in these times of progress that Americans discovered the proximity of the suburbs, the convenience of dishwashers and the swinging sounds of rock and roll. Kenneth Paul Hines entered these changing times on January 27, 1955, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was one of four children born to Charles and Jane (Wilmarth) Hines.

Although born in Oklahoma, Ken spent his growing up years in a small town that was an hour from Bloomington, Indiana. Here, his father earned a living as an agricultural teacher while his mother worked as a nurse. Ken was a good student in school, but excelled when it came to playing basketball. In fact, his high school team went on to win the Sectionals in their district. Unfortunately, Ken’s basketball career was short-lived because of an injury to his knee.

It was obvious from a young age that Ken was very analytically minded, and he put this to good use after graduating high school by attending Purdue University. After college, Ken secured a job as a Project/IT Manager, which he enjoyed doing for 20 years. He also met and married a young lady named Amy Mueller in the late 1970s, and they had 4 wonderful children together, each of which was born one year and 9 months apart. Unfortunately, Ken’s marriage to Amy ended after 12 years, but he came away with his four kids who gave him a positive focus in life and so much joy. There wasn’t anything that Ken wouldn’t do for his children – they were the center of his life. He wanted nothing more than for them to be happy, to be good people, and to know that they were loved. Because of his gentle guidance and ever listening ear, “Ken leaves behind four successful and loving children who will always remember how much their Dad loved them.”

A true Hoosier, Ken was a die-hard fan of Indiana basketball, football, baseball and golf all his life. He regularly watched these games on TV, cheering Purdue to victory. Time together with his kids was always important, and Ken took any time he could to take them on vacations to places like Ocean City, Maryland or Leland, Michigan. They created many great memories together on these trips. A collector of sorts, Ken was fascinated with coins as a child and later picked up this hobby in his adult years. However, he always found more enjoyment in the hunt for precious coins than in displaying them. Like many young boys, Ken was also fond of motorcycles and even owned a few in later years. When it came to his listening pleasure, he enjoyed music of the 60s, 70s and 80s, and when it came to watching TV; it was most likely some sports game.

Ken did not need great things in his life to make him happy - all he needed was his beloved children and his family. They were the ones that he shared his life with, and the ones that he loved. Although they will miss him deeply, Ken leaves his loved ones with wonderful memories of his unconditional love, his insight and his strength. His example will influence them for years to come.

Kenneth Paul Hines died on Friday, July 24, 2009, at Bronson Hospital. Ken was preceded in death by his grandparents. He is survived by his parents, Charles and Jane Hines; four children: Katy (Paul) Welch, Jacky (Nate) Denaway, Douglas Hines, David Hines; two brothers, David (Diann) Hines, Jim (Debra) Hines; one sister, Ellen (Tom) Sanders; and five nephews. Ken’s life will be honored on Wednesday, July 29, at 1 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler - 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (375-2900) with a visitation immediately following from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit Ken’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with his family or sign his online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the place of your choice.